Typhoon Yolanda was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, and devastated parts of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.
And while those affected have dropped from the media radar, two well-known locals are off to help build 50 homes for those who remain homeless from the typhoon, which occured November 8, 2013.
After a spontaneous trip to the Philippines in January 2014, Treehouse restaurant co-owner Nicholas Simpson found himself walking among the aftermath of the typhoon on Malapascua Island and met with many who were still without homes.
‘The seed sprouted into a need and there was no turning back,’ he says.
‘With the help of a few friends we created our not-for-profit humanitarian organisation It Ain’t Nothing, which allows everyone to help in some way.
‘In all our projects we promise that all donations will go directly to those in need. We want to promote a personal connection to each cause and facilitate multiple avenues of on-the-ground assistance.
‘We want to encourage the ethos that every small effort adds to the whole and is part of making a big difference.’
Funds needed
‘The Treehouse on Belongil set up and funded the start-up of It Aint Nothing as well as the first house being built in the 50.50.50 Project,’ he says.‘We need to raise $50,000 to get it done.’ To help, visit www.itaintnothing.org.
